Ukraine Crisis: Ban Ki Moon Visits Russia And Ukraine

by Benson Agoha

As world leaders explore diplomatic options to persuade Moscow to stand down on their position in Ukraine, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon is visiting the Russian Federation and Ukraine, to meet with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

A statement from the Secretary-General's office yesterday said the UN Scribe will visit President Putin in Moscow today for a meeting which will include Russian Foreign Minister SErgey Lavrov and other senior officials.

The statement said the UN Chief has consistently call for solution that is guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter, and the meeting is part of his diplomatic efforts to encourage all parties to resolve the current crisis peacefully.

After meeting with President Putin and his team, the Secretary-General will travel tomorrow, Friday March 21, to Kiev, where he will hold talks with Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov, Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk and other officials, the statement said, adding that while Kiev, he will also meet with members of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission and representatives of civil society.

After Sunday's referendum in which some 96.77% voted to join Russia, Crimea's Parliament moved quickly on Monday declaring independence and submitting an application to join Russia.

The application was approved by the Russian Lower House and President Putin has already signed into law, welcoming Crimea back into Russia.

US and European Union condemn the Crimean referendum as illegal and therefore does not accept its fallout.

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